Keeping IT Brief

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down—and neither can your strategy.In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Bryan Thompson, Chief Product Officer at Everfox, a leader in cybersecurity, enterprise technology, and defense-grade security solutions. Bryan shares what it really takes to build and scale secure, high-performing technology platforms in today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape.With over 20 years of experience in product strategy, engineering leadership, and enterprise cybersecurity, Bryan breaks down how modern organizations can stay ahead of insider threats, protect critical data, and build resilient systems that hold up under pressure.We dig into:• How to approach cybersecurity strategy in high-risk environments• The role of cross-domain solutions and insider risk management• What separates strong product leadership from the rest• How to align product, engineering, and business goals for real impact• Lessons from leading innovation in defense-grade cybersecurityIf you’re a millennial tech leader, IT professional, or business decision-maker navigating security, scale, and innovation—this episode delivers practical insights you can use right now.#KeepingITBrief #CyberSecurity #TechLeadership #ProductManagement #EnterpriseIT #Innovation #DataSecurity #Podcast #MillennialProfessionals #ITStrategy #Everfox #FORUMPodcast NetworkKeeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Cybersecurity jobs are everywhere—but why is there still a massive talent gap?In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we break down the cybersecurity workforce shortage, what’s really causing it, and what it means for the future of government and public sector tech.Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Public Sector Strategy and Engagement at SANS, joins us to share real-world insights from his experience across the military, Pentagon, and private sector. From leading in the 101st Airborne Division to advising top defense leaders, Michael brings a unique perspective on cyber defense, hiring trends, and workforce development.We dig into the most in-demand cybersecurity skills and certifications, how hiring is evolving, and what organizations are really looking for right now. If you’re curious about breaking into cybersecurity—or building stronger teams—this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap.You’ll also learn how different environments—from government to startups—approach cybersecurity talent, training, and strategy, and what the next five years could look like for this fast-growing field.Whether you're a millennial professional exploring tech careers or a leader navigating hiring challenges, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use.#Cybersecurity #TechCareers #ITJobs #CyberSecurityTraining #PublicSector #DigitalTransformation #MillennialCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #Keeping IT Brief #FORUMPodcast #SANS Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Healthcare is undergoing a massive digital transformation—but what does that actually look like inside the U.S. federal government? In this episode, we break down how cloud computing, Salesforce platforms, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping federal healthcare systems and improving how agencies serve millions of Americans. Our guest, Sree Rednam, Sr. Manager of Cloud Development and Enterprise Architect at Federal Health, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), shares how large-scale government healthcare platforms are designed, scaled, and secured while navigating complex regulatory environments. Sree walks us through what it takes to lead enterprise cloud solutions in federal healthcare, collaborate with architects and mission leaders, and build scalable platforms that enhance user experience while maintaining strict compliance standards. We also explore how organizations like General Dynamics are driving innovation across government through digital modernization, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud development. If you're interested in government technology, healthcare innovation, cloud architecture, Salesforce platforms, or digital transformation strategy, this conversation offers an inside look at where federal health tech is headed next. In this episode, we discuss: What digital transformation in healthcare actually means in practiceScaling Salesforce and cloud platforms for complex federal healthcare programsNavigating regulatory compliance while driving innovationHow AI, cloud computing, and emerging tech are shaping government healthcareAligning technology strategy with mission-driven leadershipThe future of federal health technology and digital modernizationWhether you're in health IT, government contracting, cloud architecture, or digital transformation leadership, this episode provides valuable insights into the technology powering modern federal healthcare systems.#DigitalTransformation #HealthIT #CloudComputing #AIinHealthcare #GovernmentTechnology #FederalHealth #Salesforce #GovTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipInTech #Podcast #GDIT #KeepingITBriefPodcastKeeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

How do you turn emerging technology into real mission impact for the Federal government? In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Brian Funk, Chief Technology Officer at MetaPhase, to explore Federal IT modernization, GenAI, cloud architecture, DevSecOps, and Agile transformation. With deep experience leading technology initiatives across government agencies, Brian shares how to evaluate emerging technologies like Generative AI and geospatial systems — and determine what truly drives mission outcomes versus what’s just hype. At MetaPhase, innovation lives at the intersection of business and IT. Their approach blends technical excellence with a culture-first consulting model, creating practical, scalable solutions that act as a true force multiplier for agencies. We also discuss: • How Agile development strengthens Federal digital transformation • The evolving role of DevSecOps in government cybersecurity • Building empowered, high-performing technology teams • Aligning cloud strategy with agency mission goals • The biggest opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Federal IT If you’re interested in government technology, Federal consulting, cloud modernization, DevSecOps, GenAI adoption, or IT leadership, this episode delivers insight you can apply today. Listen now and stay ahead of what’s next in government innovation. #FederalIT #GovTech #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #DevSecOps #GenAI #Agile #GovernmentConsulting #ITLeadership #Innovation #MetaPhase #FORUMPodcastNetwork #KeepingITBriefKeeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

What does it take to modernize technology inside the Department of Defense? In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Richard Kellahan, Project Manager at TIAG, to talk about DoD contracts, electronic security systems, and federal IT project management. Richard has supported Department of Defense programs since 2006 and currently leads projects in Charleston, SC — identifying opportunities in the Electronic Security Systems (ESS) federal government space. With experience in management, procurement, financial reporting, customer relations, training, and an active Secret Clearance, he brings a 360-degree view of government program delivery. Recently PMP-certified through the Project Management Institute, Richard shares how formal project management frameworks strengthen execution in complex government environments — and why discipline, communication, and adaptability are critical in DoD modernization efforts. We also explore: • The biggest challenges of implementing new technology in secure DoD environments • How ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI® Level 3 standards support federal IT excellence • Building high-performing teams in government contracting • Delivering innovation beyond the scope of work • Emerging opportunities in federal electronic security and defense technology If you’re interested in government IT, federal contracting, DoD modernization, PMP leadership, or electronic security systems, this episode delivers practical insight from the field. Listen now and stay ahead of the mission. #DoD #FederalIT #ProjectManagement #PMP #ElectronicSecurity #GovernmentContracting #DefenseTechnology #Modernization #Leadership #CMMI #ISO9001 #TIAG #FORUMPodcastNetwork #KeepingITBriefKeeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

 Federal agencies are under pressure to modernize legacy systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and deliver better digital services—all while staying mission-focused. In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Mike Deutsch, Chief Growth Officer at Alpha Omega, to talk about what it really takes to drive digital transformation in government IT. With more than 20 years of federal market experience, Mike has helped scale and grow industry leaders like Aquilent (acquired by Booz Allen Hamilton) and CollabraLink Technologies (acquired by Washington Harbour Partners). Now, he’s leading growth strategy at Alpha Omega as the company expands its impact in the full and open federal space. We discuss: • The biggest challenges in government IT modernization • How agencies can successfully adopt artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions • Building high-performing teams in a fast-changing federal environment • Delivering real customer experience improvements in Federal agencies • What’s next for digital modernization, AI in government, and operational resilience. Alpha Omega supports national security and national resilience through expertise in digital modernization, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity — helping agencies future-proof legacy systems and accelerate operational efficiency. If you care about federal IT, GovCon growth strategy, digital transformation, AI in government, cybersecurity, and mission-driven technology, this episode is for you. #KeepingITBrief #FederalIT #DigitalTransformation #GovCon #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #GovernmentTechnology #NationalSecurity #Leadership Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

AI is moving fast—and cyber threats are moving faster. As federal agencies race to modernize, how can they adopt AI securely without increasing risk?In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Chris Townsend, Global VP of Public Sector at Elastic, to unpack what’s coming next for AI, cybersecurity, and federal IT modernization in 2026.With the federal government prioritizing AI adoption and digital transformation—highlighted by the 2025 AI Action Plan and procurement initiatives like GSA’s OneGov program—agencies are under pressure to innovate quickly while maintaining security, compliance, and mission continuity.Chris explains how Elastic’s open, scalable Search AI Platform helps government organizations modernize legacy systems, strengthen security operations, and gain real-time visibility across data silos. The conversation also dives into the growing risks tied to rapid AI adoption, including supply chain attacks, identity-based intrusions, and zero-day exploits.You’ll also hear insights on Elastic’s recent partnership with CISA, focused on developing a unified SIEM-as-a-Service to standardize security data collection and accelerate incident response across federal civilian agencies.In this episode, you’ll learn:The top cybersecurity challenges facing government agencies in 2026How AI can turn security data into faster, smarter decisionsWhy standardized security data collection is critical for federal defenseHow Elastic supports Zero Trust, secure AI adoption, and modernization at scaleAs cyber threats continue to grow in complexity, this episode offers practical insights for public sector leaders balancing AI-powered innovation with the imperative to protect sensitive data.#KeepingITBrief #FederalIT #GovTech #Cybersecurity #AIinGovernment #PublicSector #Elastic #CISA #SIEM #ZeroTrust #GovAI #ITModernization #DataSecurity Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Healthcare AI can’t scale without the right cloud foundation.On this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Jaison Correya, CEO of CLOUDVICE, to explore how cloud, data engineering, and AI are reshaping healthcare and the U.S. public sector.Founded in 2020, CLOUDVICE is an Oracle partner with an exclusive focus on the public sector. The company helps healthcare organizations and state and local governments modernize back-office and front-office operations—from payroll and finance to budgeting and planning—using Oracle SaaS Cloud to drive efficiency, transparency, automation, and ROI.Jaison shares what inspired him to launch CLOUDVICE and how his background in cloud, AI, and large-scale program management shaped the company’s mission to support innovation in healthcare and government.In this conversation, Mary Ann and Jaison discuss:The biggest barriers to scaling AI in healthcare, including data readiness and legacy systemsWhy real-time insights remain so difficult for many organizationsHow CLOUDVICE helps agencies build strong cloud and data foundationsWhat makes the CLOUDVICE + Kardia.ai partnership unique in improving workflows and decision support in heart failure careWhere healthcare AI is headed—and where CLOUDVICE plans to make its greatest impactIf you work in healthcare IT, public sector technology, cloud strategy, or digital transformation, this episode delivers clear, practical insight—without the fluff.🔗 Guest: Jaison Correya, CEO, CLOUDVICE 🔗 Host: Mary Ann Brown 🔗 Connect with Jaison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaison-correya/Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Some conversations are worth hearing again—this episode is one of them. Federal agencies are under pressure to innovate—while staying compliant.As cyber threats evolve and AI becomes mission-critical, agencies are struggling with the growing tension between innovation and compliance. Frameworks like NIST’s Risk Management Framework (RMF) are essential—but increasingly criticized for slowing modern technology adoption.One of the biggest pain points? The Authority to Operate (ATO) process.In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, Peter O’Donoghue, CTO of Tyto Athene, and Gaurav “GP” Pal, CEO of stackArmor, join the conversation to explore how agencies can modernize RMF implementation without throwing the framework away.Together, they discuss:Why the ATO has become a bottleneck for federal IT and cloud programsHow manual, outdated processes clash with modern DevSecOps practicesThe role of automation, ATO-as-code, and continuous compliancePractical ways agencies can accelerate innovation while maintaining security and trustWith decades of experience in cloud computing, cybersecurity, FedRAMP, FISMA RMF, DoD RMF, and CMMC, Peter and GP bring real-world insight into how government can move faster—without compromising mission or security.If you work in federal IT, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, or compliance, this episode delivers clear, actionable perspective on what needs to change—and how to get there.Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown speaks with Oliver Sadorra, Chief Growth Officer at Dark Wolf Solutions. Oliver explores the real-world state of AI across government and industry and shares insights from years leading software development, DevSecOps adoption, and AI/ML integration for national security missions.Together, they unpack the AI trends that truly matter, public perception vs. reality, how agencies can innovate without compromising trust, the emerging skills today’s workforce needs, and the one piece of advice Oliver gives organizations beginning their AI journey.Dark Wolf Solutions delivers agile DevSecOps, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, rapid prototyping, and mission engineering for federal and Fortune 500 customers—operating where technical innovation meets mission need. #KeepingITBrief #AI #CyberSecurity #GovTech #DevSecOps #Innovation #DarkWolfSolutions #Leadership #TechTrends #FutureOfWork Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Keri Gentilcore leads the DHS and National Security portfolio at ITC Federal, where she oversees teams delivering innovative, mission-focused technology solutions. With more than 20 years of experience across federal security and civilian markets—including leadership roles at Eagle Hill Consulting and Booz Allen Hamilton—Keri brings deep expertise in mission analytics, risk management, strategic planning, and IT modernization.ITC Federal delivers advancements in automation and AI, IT infrastructure and operations, and financial services to help federal agencies strengthen operational efficiency and national security.In this episode, Keri discusses the latest Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendations for DHS and outlines practical steps the agency can take to modernize IT operations, improve acquisition and management processes, enhance financial management systems, and drive greater efficiencies across major national security programs. #KeepingITBrief #ITCFederal #DHS #NationalSecurity #FederalIT #ITModernization #GAO #Cybersecurity #GovernmentTech #ITOperations #FinancialManagement #PublicSectorInnovation #TechPolicy Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

From the FIFA World Cup to the Olympics, securing massive global events isn’t just about physical barriers—it’s about defending digital infrastructure that supports everything behind the scenes.In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown speaks with Tim Miller, Field CTO and Public Sector Cyber Lead at Dataminr, about how cyber and physical security are converging—and why governments and event organizers must think holistically to stay ahead of threats.Tim shares insights from 17 years in public sector technology and explains how Dataminr’s world-leading AI helps deliver early warnings and real-time visibility when it matters most.Tune in to hear how proactive intelligence and AI-driven threat detection can protect both digital and physical domains.Tim Miller, Field CTO and Public Sector Cyber Lead at DataminrTim Miller has spent 17 years as a technologist helping public sector organizations adopt innovative technology solutions to create operational efficiencies and drive success across critical missions. Currently, Tim is the Field CTO for Dataminr’s Public Sector business, responsible for developing go-to-market strategies and client delivery of Dataminr’s first purpose-built cyber offering for the public sector. During his 8 years at Dataminr, he has held many different roles in managing some of the most strategic client relationships, helping lead enterprise-scale deployments of First Alert within the US Department of State, US Department of Homeland Security, and US Department of Health, among many others. DataminrRecognized as one of the world’s leading AI businesses, Dataminr delivers the earliest warnings on high-impact events and critical information far in advance of other sources. The company’s world-leading AI platform, powered by more than 50 proprietary large-language models, enables faster responses, more effective risk mitigation and stronger crisis management for public and private sector organizations, including global corporations, first responders, NGOs, and newsrooms.Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Federal agencies struggle with tension between innovation and compliance as cyber threats evolve and AI becomes mission-critical. NIST's Risk Management Framework (RMF) faces scrutiny for complexity that slows transformative technology adoption. The Authority to Operate (ATO) has become a bottleneck, frustrating agencies with delays and manual processes misaligned with modern development practices. Peter O'Donoghue (Tyto Athene CTO) and Gaurav Pal (stackArmor CEO) join Keeping IT Brief to discuss modernizing implementation without discarding the framework.  Peter O’Donoghue (Chief Technology Officer at Tyto Athene)Peter O’Donoghue has over two decades of experience in the technology industry, a history of executive leadership positions at several Fortune 500 companies, and a track record of success in cloud computing, cybersecurity, application dev, and IT modernization.Peter’s eye for building solutions that align to where the technology puck is moving, and his ability to drive the development of new products and services to drive growth, ensures that Tyto Athene remains at the forefront of driving meaningful innovation that achieves mission advantage. To learn more, please visit Peter on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-o-962154/.About Gaurav Pal (CEO at stackArmor, a Tyto Athene company)Gaurav “GP” Pal is the CEO and founder of stackArmor (a Tyto Athene company). He has over 20 years of digital transformation experience with large U.S. government, defense, healthcare and commercial organizations providing mission acceleration and assurance using commercial cloud services and automating the ATO process.He is a subject matter expert in helping organizations rapidly meet FedRAMP, FISMA RMF, DOD RMF and CMMC compliance. GP received the GCN Rising Star, Fed100 and Meritalk Cyber Defender awards for his role in successful cloud and security program implementations at U.S. federal agencies. He is currently a Board Member at the Alliance for Digital Innovation (ADI) and Industry Project Leader for the ACT-IAC ATO-as-code initiative.GP is passionate and highly-skilled with a personal commitment to excellence and integrity – consistently building positive and mutually beneficial relationships with partners and government agencies. Connect with GP on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gppal/.  About Tyto Athene (https://gotyto.com/) Tyto Athene delivers secure, mission-critical technology solutions that empower defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies to modernize infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and stay ahead of evolving threats. As a mission-driven integrator, the company combines deep technical expertise with a hands-on, collaborative approach to ensure government agencies and OCONUS teams have the tools needed for operational success.From network modernization to cyber defense, Tyto Athene helps organizations turn data into actionable insights, enabling information dominance and greater mission effectiveness. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer success drives the team to deliver solutions that enhance security, resilience, and communications across the government landscape. Learn more about Tyto Athene at https://gotyto.com/. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Federal agencies are under growing pressure to modernize digital identity systems as cyber threats escalate and citizens expect seamless digital services. Yet legacy infrastructure, siloed systems, and inconsistent standards create barriers to trust and efficiency. Biometrics and next-generation identity technologies offer a path forward—but adoption requires careful balance between security, usability, and privacy. Today Jesus Aragón, CEO and Co-Founder of Identy.io discusses how investing in interoperable, privacy-first digital identity solutions, agencies can strengthen security, build public trust, and unlock more accessible government services.Jesús Aragón, CEO and Co-Founder of Identy.ioJesús Aragón is the CEO and Co-Founder of Identy.io. He has over 20 years of experience as an executive in the technology and consulting sectors. He has successfully built mobile roadmaps and business for a leading voice ID vendor and managed corporate development and marketing. He began his career at Hewlett-Packard and Texas Instruments.Identy.io is a mobile-first biometric authentication company offering secure, password-less identity verification solutions tailored to both government and enterprise clients. Their suite includes facial, fingerprint, and palm biometrics, all processed fully on-device to maximize privacy, reduce infrastructure costs, and prevent data mishandling. Headquartered in the U.S. with operations in Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and India, Identy.io was co-founded in 2017 and leverages its founding team’s involvement with the FIDO Alliance to build solutions compliant with NIST, ISO, FIDO, and GDPR standards .Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office from April identified cybersecurity concerns and lack of data privacy as some of the top risks associated with Generative AI. As the federal government ramps up AI investments, with the DOD prioritizing AI in its Software Fast Track (SWFT) Initiative and recent legislation allotting hundreds of millions for AI-related efforts, industry findings point to emerging risks that government agencies need to start addressing during initial AI adoption.GitLab’s Bob Stevens joins the Keeping IT Brief Podcast to discuss the government's AI adoption journey as well as GitLab’s C-suite survey from July, which highlights as organizations rapidly adopt AI, cybersecurity threats, data privacy, and governance stand as top concerns.Bob Stevens (Vice President at GitLab)With 25+ years of experience in the Public Sector industry, Bob Stevens helps government agencies fundamentally change the way their development, security and operations teams collaborate. Prior to GitLab he led the Americas team at Lookout where he focused on providing mobile threat visibility and protection to enterprise and government entities. Before his time at Lookout, he led the Juniper Network federal team and has held leadership positions at Network Equipment Technologies, Bivio Networks and Brocade Communications. Bob also served in the U.S. Air Force as a computer specialist at the White House Communications Agency.GitLab GitLab is the most comprehensive, intelligent DevSecOps platform for software innovation. GitLab enables organizations to increase developer productivity, improve operational efficiency, reduce security and compliance risk, and accelerate digital transformation. More than 50 million registered users and more than 50% of the Fortune 100 trust GitLab to ship better, more secure software faster.Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

The White House's latest cybersecurity executive order has introduced critical new directives for federal agencies: incorporate AI software vulnerability management into existing processes and share indicators of compromise for AI systems. But as agentic AI and GenAI adoption accelerates across government—often creating complex Shadow IT networks—how can agencies gain the visibility needed to securely integrate these powerful tools?In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Elad Schulman, CEO and Co-Founder of Lasso Security, to unpack the security implications of the new executive order and explore practical strategies for federal agencies navigating the GenAI era.What You'll Learn:The compliance challenges federal agencies face when implementing AI systemsUnique security risks and considerations for government AI deploymentPractical steps to align AI security with the new cybersecurity executive orderHow to manage AI vulnerabilities within existing security frameworksStrategies for gaining visibility into model-tool interactions across agenciesElad brings extensive experience as a seasoned tech expert spanning corporate giants and innovative startups. As the leader of Lasso Security—a GenAI security platform that autonomously monitors GenAI interactions and detects risks in real-time—he offers unique insights into the challenges and solutions facing government organizations as they embrace AI while maintaining robust security postures.With Lasso recently named a 2024 Gartner® Cool Vendor™ for AI Security, this conversation provides timely, expert guidance for federal IT leaders working to balance innovation with security in an evolving threat landscape. Elad SchulmanElad is a seasoned tech expert with a wealth of experience spanning both corporate giants and innovative startups. He is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Lasso Security, a GenAI security platform that enhances security posture by autonomously monitoring all GenAI interactions, detecting risks in real-time, and enabling organizations to effortlessly safeguard their GenAI activities. Lasso SecurityLasso is at the forefront of GenAI security, delivering cutting-edge solutions that protect GenAI applications from emerging threats. With a focus on governance, observability, and seamless integration, Lasso empowers public sector organizations to securely navigate the GenAI era. Lasso was recently named 2024 Gartner® Cool Vendors™ for AI Security. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Join host Mary Ann Brown for a fascinating conversation with Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, as he takes us beyond Earth's atmosphere to explore one of the most critical challenges of our time: keeping space safe, sustainable, and secure. In this episode, Tim reveals how Slingshot Aerospace is transforming space domain awareness through cutting-edge AI technology. As space becomes increasingly crowded with thousands of satellites and growing commercial activity, the need for comprehensive space situational awareness has never been more urgent. Tim discusses the groundbreaking launch of Agatha—a revolutionary AI system developed in partnership with DARPA that can pinpoint subtle spacecraft abnormalities and identify potential bad actors in the vast sea of satellite constellations orbiting Earth. Unlike traditional space surveillance methods, Agatha detects minute behavioral differences that may indicate suspicious missions, unique hardware, weapons, or abnormal operations. Drawing from his extensive background as a former U.S. Army pilot who flew AH-1 Cobra and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, and his executive experience at Microsoft, Dun & Bradstreet, and other tech companies, Tim provides unique insights into how military precision meets commercial innovation in the space sector. Listeners will discover how Slingshot's platform transforms disparate space data into a unified operating picture, combining information from global sensor networks, satellite databases, and third-party providers to create a holistic view of space activities—past, present, and predicted. Tim shares real-world applications of Agatha and discusses how AI is revolutionizing space operations to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and reduce risks for space operators worldwide. This conversation offers a compelling look at the intersection of national security, technological innovation, and the future of space exploration, making complex space domain challenges accessible and relevant for technology leaders across all industries. Guest: Tim Solms, CEO, Slingshot Aerospace Topics Covered: Space safety, sustainability, and security challengesAgatha AI system and its revolutionary capabilitiesPartnership with DARPA and government collaborationReal-world applications and suspicious activity detectionAI's transformative impact on the space sectorFuture of space domain awareness and operationsAbout Slingshot Aerospace: Slingshot Aerospace provides government and commercial partners worldwide with AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation, driven by its mission to make space safe, sustainable, and secure. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

As the federal government looks to modernize IT solutions to better support citizens and create efficiencies, they often face challenges in adopting emerging technologies like AI due to complex compliance requirements and integration barriers. It’s key that organizations have the ability to help government teams navigate these complexities and deliver measurable outcomes that modernize operations and maximize value for federal missions.In December 2024, iTech AG achieved a milestone in federal innovation by implementing its first ServiceNow Generative AI integration for Customer Service Management at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Clinical Standards and Quality. As a ServiceNow Elite Partner with a Product Line Achievement in Customer Service Management, iTech AG leads the first-ever Federal Civilian go-live of ServiceNow’s Now Assist, enhancing efficiency and customer outcomes. iTech AG provides the government and federal health community with leading-edge technology solutions to help agencies modernize systems to fit their needs, enable organizations to better serve citizens, and optimize results. Jeremy TiptonJeremy Tipton is a digital solutions leader with over 12 years of experience in federal government contracting. As Director of Digital Platforms at iTech AG, he drives innovation to enhance operations, streamline processes, and improve service delivery for public and private sector customers.Jeremy ensures the successful implementation of digital strategies that optimize efficiency and user experience. His expertise in data analytics and process improvement enables organizations to harness technology for smarter decision making and operational success. Passionate about digital transformation, Jeremy collaborates with key stakeholders to implement leading-edge solutions that align with evolving business needs. His strategic leadership empowers organizations to adapt, innovate, and achieve long-term success in an ever-changing digital landscape. iTech AGiTech AG is a Washington, D.C. area-based technology consulting firm that helps federal, state, local and private organizations streamline operations through a wide range of customized and innovative solutions. Combining strategic IT management consulting, zero trust security, human-centered design and a customer experience approach to facilitate digital modernization, agile framework adoption, enterprise platform implementation, and automation through AI to achieve mission-critical results.  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Fraud, waste and abuse of the Medicare system have always been challenging to get under control. Those who exploit federal health care programs can cost taxpayers billions of dollars, according to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report, while putting beneficiaries’ health and welfare at risk.CMS’s Center for Program Integrity plays a key role in managing this challenge by detecting, preventing and combating fraud, waste and abuse across CMS and other federal health programs. Beyond that, the organization is tasked with strengthening integrity programs, expanding the scope of integrity programs and integrating technological improvements like AI to reduce fraud, waste and abuse, and streamline operations.In a time when efficiency has become top-of-mind for most federal agencies, optimizing CPI’s ability to catch fraud, waste and abuse will play a major role in the government’s larger push to streamline operations and costs. Ken HofgesangVice President of Health at RELI GroupKen Hofgesang brings 20+ years of experience in the federal health arena. He holds expertise in account and project management, business development, and executive leadership, focused on cost control, new operation setup, automated solutions, and innovative technology infusion. Prior to joining RELI Group, Ken served as the VP of the HHS account at SAIC. In addition to his extensive experience across the industry, he holds a master’s degree in computer science from Hood College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Mount Saint Mary’s College. Ken is a certified Project Management Professional, holds an ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management, and has earned certificates in both executive and performance leadership from Cornell University. RELI GroupBased near Baltimore, Maryland, RELI Group is a trusted partner to federal agencies, delivering innovative solutions that address today’s complex challenges across health, security and technology. Since 2013, the company has been collaborating with agencies throughout the government that touch the lives of every American, with goals of improving health, safety and national security.RELI Group’s success is driven by skilled professionals who embrace innovation, collaboration and continuous learning to meet client needs. Through structured, efficient processes that enhance organizational performance and ensure consistent outcomes, the team provides cutting-edge technology to optimize operations, enhance security and enable data-driven decision-making for mission-critical operations. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Max Shuftan, Director of Mission Programs at SANS Institute, to discuss one of the most pressing issues in cybersecurity today: the talent shortage in federal agencies. As nation-state cyber threats continue to evolve, agencies are facing an uphill battle to find skilled cybersecurity professionals. Max sheds light on how inclusive and targeted training programs can help address this critical shortage by unlocking untapped potential within the workforce. Max explores the value of reskilling and upskilling programs, sharing insights on how agencies can turn individuals with diverse backgrounds into cyber professionals. He also discusses how agencies can not only fill cyber roles but retain this talent by fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment. Key Topics Include: The role of inclusive cyber training programs in addressing the skills gapThe power of reskilling programs and how to successfully transition employees into cyber rolesStrategies for retaining cybersecurity talent once agencies have filled the rolesIf you're interested in the future of cybersecurity workforce development, this episode is a must-listen!Max Shuftan leads mission programs and partnerships at SANS Institute. In this role, he manages strategic partnerships for SANS and oversees an organization focused on (1) growing the global cybersecurity talent pipeline, and (2) fostering a stronger cyber workforce through partnerships that expand targeted reskilling and upskilling efforts.  SANS Institute: Launched in 1989 as a cooperative for information security thought leadership, it is SANS’ ongoing mission to empower cyber security professionals with the practical skills and knowledge they need to make our world a safer place. We fuel this effort with high-quality training, certifications, scholarship academies, degree programs, cyber ranges, and resources to meet the needs of every cyber professional. Our data, research, and the top minds in cybersecurity collectively ensure that individuals and organizations have the actionable education and support they need. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Jim Coyle, US Public Sector CTO at Lookout, to discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats posed by nation-state actors. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, Jim brings invaluable insights into the emerging tactics, tools, and techniques used by global adversaries to target critical infrastructure. As we look toward 2025, Jim highlights the growing alignment between cyber efforts from nation-states and the increasing sophistication of their attacks—especially with the rise of social engineering, phishing, and AI-powered threats. Tune in as he explores the most pressing cyber threats agencies should be preparing for and the steps they can take to protect vital systems. Key Topics Include: Emerging nation-state cyber threat actors to watchTop attack methods and priority targets for nation-statesHow agencies can bolster defenses against the surge in cybercrime from these actorsDon’t miss this deep dive into the future of cybersecurity for government agencies, and how to stay one step ahead of the next wave of cyber threats.Jim Coyle serves as the US Public Sector CTO at Lookout, drawing upon two decades of hands-on experience in cybersecurity to assist government agencies in fortifying their defenses. Jim is a cyber security industry thought leader, delving into geopolitical cyber issues, emerging threats, defense tactics, and industry developments, offering valuable insights cultivated throughout his career.  Lookout, Inc. is the data-centric cloud security company that uses a defense-in-depth strategy to address the different stages of a modern cybersecurity attack, which now starts with mobile. Data is at the core of every organization, and our approach to cybersecurity is designed to protect that data within today’s evolving threat landscape no matter where or how it moves. People — and human behavior — are central to the challenge of protecting data, which is why organizations need total visibility into threats in real time, starting with the mobile endpoint.The Lookout Cloud Security Platform is purpose-built to stop modern breaches as swiftly as they unfold, from the first mobile phishing text to the final cloud data extraction. We are trusted by enterprises and government agencies of all sizes to protect the sensitive data they care about most, enabling them to work and connect freely and securely.  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

 In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with George Kamis, Chief Technology Officer at Everfox, to dive into the critical intersection of cybersecurity, zero trust, and cross-domain solutions. With over 25 years of experience in Cyber and Cross Domain Solutions, George sheds light on the common misconceptions surrounding zero trust and its role in government security frameworks. While zero trust is foundational to securing networks, George explains why it cannot address all the security needs for agencies working with highly classified data. Tune in as George discusses the importance of integrating cross-domain solutions alongside zero trust for comprehensive protection, especially for government agencies like the Department of Defense. Key Topics Include: Misconceptions about zero trust in government agenciesThe value of cross-domain solutions in a zero trust environmentChallenges agencies face when integrating cross-domain solutions and actionable steps to overcome themWhether you're in the cybersecurity field or simply interested in the future of government network security, this episode is a must-listen! George Kamis is Everfox’s Chief Technology Officer. In this capacity, George works closely with Information Assurance industry leaders, government executives, and the executive management team to help guide their long-term technology strategy and keep it aligned with federal and industry requirements.George brings more than 25 years of experience in Cyber and Cross Domain Solutions and has helped lead Everfox to the forefront of Cyber and Cross Domain product development.George holds a degree in Electrical Engineering with honors from West Virginia University and holds active membership at Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). Everfox, formerly Forcepoint Federal, has been defending the world’s most critical data and networks against the most complex cyber threats imaginable for more than 25 years. As trailblazers in defense-grade, high-assurance cybersecurity, Everfox has led the way in delivering and developing innovative cybersecurity technology. Headquartered in Herndon, VA, Everfox’s suite of cross-domain, threat protection, and insider risk solutions empower governments and enterprise organizations to use data safely - wherever and however their people need it.   Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Robert Ezekiel, Director and Product Strategist at Booz Allen Hamilton, and a winner of the prestigious 2025 FORUM IT100 Award. Robert reflects on what this award means to him personally and professionally, sharing how his work supporting Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Hiring Our Heroes program has made a lasting impact.Robert talks about a pivotal career moment that shifted his focus from a technical role to one centered on leadership and helping others excel in their careers. He discusses how empowering people and fostering growth has become one of his greatest sources of joy.Looking to the future, Robert explores how rapidly evolving technologies, especially AI, are reshaping the IT landscape and how he plans to stay at the forefront of this revolution to benefit Veterans and the VA.Finally, Robert shares valuable leadership advice for others aspiring to make a difference in the IT industry.Tune in for an inspiring discussion on leadership, technology, and making a meaningful impact! Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In today’s episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown chats with Matt Quinn, Science Director at TATRC/DoD, about his groundbreaking program, Passive Data Collection for Automated Documentation, which won a 2025 Disruptive Tech Award.Matt dives into the specifics of his award-winning program, explaining how it addresses key challenges in the GovCon space and what makes it stand out in the industry. He shares insights into the innovation process, the critical technologies that played a role in the program's success, and the strategies behind creating truly disruptive solutions.In this episode, Matt also discusses what it takes to drive sustainable innovation in the GovCon sector and gives us a sneak peek at what’s next for his program.Tune in for an inside look at how technology is changing the game in government contracting and what we can expect to see in the future.  Matt Quinn is the Science Director for the Army’s Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) and leads efforts by TATRC’s research & development teams to automate casualty care by fusing data, humans, and machines.  For over 20 years Matt has been deeply involved in advancing health technology in the public and private sectors in key roles such as Senior Advisor for Health Technology at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Managing Director for Healthcare & Life Sciences at Intel Corporation, Director of Healthcare Initiatives at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Healthcare Industry Manager for Teradata.  At the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Matt led a research agenda that resulted in “safety-enhanced design” certification requirements for electronic health records.  Mr. Quinn has been called to testify before both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, been inducted in the FORUM100 Hall of Fame, received the HHS Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor granted by the department, the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for his work in launching the National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network (NETCCN) and the first ever National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved "Champion of Diversity" award. Matt began his career as an Army Engineer Officer and earned an engineering degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from Colorado State University. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Tris Carpenter, General Manager for Strategic Growth at Red Team Consulting, to explore the evolving landscape of federal contracting. As the current administration ushers in significant changes, Tris provides valuable insights into how companies can adapt, thrive, and stay competitive.Key topics discussed include:The major shifts in federal contracting policies and their potential impactHow workforce reductions are affecting businesses and how to safeguard cash flowWhich sectors are experiencing growth, and which are at riskThe latest on cybersecurity, CMMC challenges, and IT modernizationHow new regulations are reshaping the competitive landscape for contractorsTris also shares his forecast for the future of federal contracting and offers some unexpected advice that could give your company the edge it needs in a changing environment. If you’re in the federal contracting space, this episode is packed with the strategies and insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.Tune in now for expert analysis and actionable advice!  Tris Carpenter, General Manager, Strategic Growth, Red Team ConsultingTris Carpenter serves as Red Team's General Manager for Strategic Growth and in-house expert on all things related. Pulling from over 24 years of experience as a senior executive and advisory consultant, Tris works with our clients to build targeted solutions to cultivate new business across major government agencies and diverse commercial markets. Tris' primary focus is advising and guiding clients looking to grow in the DOD, Intel, and Federal Civilian market areas. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Alexis Bonnel, Chief Information Officer & Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Recently recognized with the prestigious 2025 FORUM IT100 Award, Alexis shares her thoughts on what this achievement means to her both personally and professionally.Through this conversation, Alexis reflects on a pivotal moment in her career that significantly contributed to her success and the innovative work being done at the Air Force Research Laboratory. She also discusses her vision for the future of technology in defense and research, highlighting the evolving role of digital capabilities in shaping national security and innovation.To wrap up, Alexis offers valuable advice for emerging leaders looking to make a lasting impact in the IT industry. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on leadership, innovation, and the future of tech in the defense sector. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Felipe Fernandez, Chief Technology Officer at Fortinet Federal, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in networking and cybersecurity, Felipe leads the charge in delivering mission-critical cybersecurity solutions for federal agencies. He shares valuable insights on the current state of zero trust implementation across federal agencies, as well as the challenges many still face in aligning these principles with their unique operational needs.Felipe discusses the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing cybersecurity frameworks, and how agencies can enforce zero trust principles in multi-cloud environments. Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of federal cybersecurity and how agencies can strengthen their defenses moving forward.If you're involved in federal cybersecurity or interested in the future of zero trust, this episode is a must-listen! Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Saeed Elnaj, Chief Innovation Officer at RELI Group, to discuss the role of AI in transforming the federal health industry, particularly in the Medicare system. With 30 years of experience in technology leadership and expertise in Generative AI, cloud technologies, and digital transformation, Saeed shares his insights on how AI can significantly improve customer experience (CX) and health outcomes for older, non-digital-native Medicare beneficiaries.Saeed explores the recent investments CMS has made in AI to help improve plan selection and proactively identify patients at risk for chronic conditions. He also discusses the challenges federal health agencies face as they integrate AI, using the vast CMS data to deliver better services, and how these innovations are paving the way for the future of Medicare.Don’t miss this discussion on the future of healthcare and the transformative power of AI in the federal health sector! Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this special episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Ann Dunkin, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and recipient of the 2025 FORUM IT100 Award. With a wealth of experience in both government and private sectors, Ann reflects on her career journey and what this prestigious award means to her personally and professionally. She also shares a pivotal project or moment in her career that significantly contributed to her success.Ann discusses her vision for the future of technology in the public sector and her hopes for how digital transformation can drive positive change in areas like energy, science, and national security. She concludes by offering valuable advice to emerging leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in the IT industry.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in government! Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this insightful episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Kyle Tuberson, Chief Technology Officer at ICF and a recent winner of the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award. Together, they discuss what this remarkable achievement means to Kyle both personally and professionally. Kyle shares a pivotal career moment that helped shape his journey to success and how it influenced his leadership in the tech world. The conversation also dives into his vision for the future of technology and his role in shaping its evolution. Kyle offers valuable advice to aspiring leaders in the IT industry looking to make a lasting impact. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, innovation, and the future of tech.Don't miss this episode for a unique perspective from one of the industry’s top influencers! Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this special episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Joseph Sabin, the Vice President of Cyber Programs at Adapt Forward and a recent winner of the prestigious 2025 FORUM IT100 Hall of Fame Award. Joseph shares his journey to this major achievement, discussing the dedication, challenges, and pivotal moments that have shaped his career.With over two decades of experience in the IT field, Joseph reflects on the personal and professional significance of receiving the award, as well as how it aligns with his vision for the future of technology. He also offers invaluable insights on what it takes to lead in an ever-evolving industry and the key strategies that helped him excel.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the bright future of IT from a true industry trailblazer. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of the Keeping IT Brief podcast, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Susan Burke, Vice President of Military and Veterans Health at Cognosante, a part of Accenture Federal Services. This week, we're celebrating Susan's remarkable achievement as a 2025 FORUM IT100 Hall of Fame Winner.Susan shares her insights on what winning the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award means to her, both personally and professionally, as well as the pivotal moments and projects that have shaped her career. She dives deep into the future of technology in the military and veterans health sectors, offering a glimpse into the innovative solutions driving transformation in these critical areas.In addition to discussing her own journey, Susan provides valuable advice to aspiring IT leaders, emphasizing the importance of dedication, innovation, and impact in driving meaningful change within the tech industry.Tune in for a conversation packed with inspiration, expertise, and forward-thinking leadership! Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

This week, we’re joined by Joel Krooswyk, Federal CTO at GitLab, to explore the critical issue of legacy IT systems in the public sector and how AI can be a game-changer in modernizing government IT infrastructures.Key Topics We Cover:The Legacy IT ChallengeMany federal agencies still rely on outdated systems that are vulnerable to security risks, costly to maintain, and hinder the development of mission-critical applications. Joel discusses why these legacy systems are so challenging, particularly the issues with memory-unsafe languages and the high percentage of vulnerabilities they cause (70%).AI as a Tool for IT ModernizationWith the lengthy process of modernizing legacy code, AI presents an opportunity to accelerate this journey. We explore how AI can help decode and refactor outdated systems, transforming them into more secure, modern, and memory-safe applications.AI in the Software Development LifecycleAI isn’t just for modernization—it's already making an impact. Joel highlights findings from GitLab’s report, showing that 35% of U.S. public sector organizations are already using AI in their software development lifecycle. We discuss how leveraging AI across the entire lifecycle can reduce silos, eliminate backlogs, and streamline development workflows.This episode is packed with insights for anyone in the public sector or involved in IT modernization, from AI's potential to improve security to how it can transform development processes and accelerate mission-critical application delivery.  Connect with Joel.Joel KrooswykAs federal CTO at GitLab Inc., Joel Krooswyk has over 25 years of experience in the software industry. His end-to-end software development life cycle expertise benefits customers and employees alike. Joel’s leadership experience spans not only the U.S. Public Sector, but also small, mid-market, and enterprise businesses globally. He’s an experienced leader, team builder, communicator, thought leader and researcher.Joel’s expertise spans development, QA, product management, portfolio planning, and technical sales, and he has written a half million lines of unique code throughout his career. On an average day, you'll find him discussing software modernization, cybersecurity, governance and compliance, AI, ongoing digital transformation, and automation.GitLabGitLab is the most comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps platform for software innovation that accelerates speed to mission. GitLab enables organizations to increase developer productivity, improve operational efficiency, reduce security and compliance risk, and accelerate digital transformation. More than 40 million registered users and more than 50% of the Fortune 100 trust GitLab to ship better, more secure software faster. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Brian Chidester, Head of Industry Strategy for the Public Sector at Adobe and a recipient of the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award. Brian shares what winning this award means to him both personally and professionally, reflecting on the pivotal moments in his career that have contributed to his success.We delve into his vision for the future of technology in the public sector and how he sees the role of innovation and strategy evolving in this space. Brian also offers invaluable advice for aspiring IT leaders, drawing from his own journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.Tune in for insights into leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of technology in the public sector—straight from one of the industry’s most respected voices. Connect with Brian HERE.Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

 In this episode, we sit down with Eduardo F. Ortiz, a visionary CEO and Marine Corps combat veteran, whose journey from government service to entrepreneurship has been driven by a singular passion: breaking down barriers to access critical services. As the CEO of Coforma, Eduardo leads a team that designs cutting-edge technology solutions, making life easier for countless people. Tune in to hear how his time as a software engineer and product strategist shaped his approach to innovation, and how his leadership philosophy is helping change the digital landscape for the better. With an MBA from the University of Maryland and a drive to serve, Eduardo shares his inspiring story of growth, resilience, and the power of technology to create real impact. Don’t miss this compelling conversation! Eduardo F. Ortiz is CEO of Coforma, a digital services firm that crafts creative technology solutions that help people live better lives. He is a combat Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps and several government civilian agencies. Eduardo is passionate about leveraging product and technology practices to remove points of friction that prevent people from accessing critical services. This passion has driven his professional journey from a software engineer and product strategist to an entrepreneur. He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland. Eduardo lives in Maryland with his wife, son, and two dogs. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

  Welcome to this episode of Keeping IT Brief, where we dive deep into the world of technology with the experts shaping its future. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Steve Orrin, Intel’s Federal Chief Technology Officer. Steve is a heavyweight in the tech world, spearheading Public Sector Solution Architecture, Strategy, and Technology Engagements at Intel. His career is a testament to leadership in cybersecurity and innovative technology, with past roles including CSO at Sarvega, CTO of Sanctum, co-founder of LockStar, and CTO at SynData Technologies.Steve has been recognized as one of InfoWorld's Top 25 CTOs and received accolades such as Executive Mosaic’s Top CTO Executives Award and Washington Exec's Top Chief Technology Officers to Watch in 2023. He has also made significant contributions to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is a prominent fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. As the chair of the INSA Cyber Committee, Steve’s expertise spans the critical intersection of cybersecurity and technology strategy.In today’s episode, we'll delve into Steve’s insights on navigating the complex landscape of enterprise security, risk mitigation, and the future of cybersecurity. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a cybersecurity professional, or just curious about the cutting-edge solutions shaping our digital world, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Steven OrrinSteve Orrin is Intel’s Federal CTO and leads Public Sector Solution Architecture, Strategy, and Technology Engagements. He has held technology leadership positions at Intel where leading cybersecurity programs, custom hardware and software architecture and solutions, products, and strategy. Steve is a cybersecurity expert and sought-after advisor to public and private sector leaders on enterprise security, risk mitigations, and securing complex systems. Steve was previously CSO for Sarvega, CTO of Sanctum, CTO and co-founder of LockStar, and CTO at SynData Technologies. He was named one of InfoWorld's Top 25 CTO's, received Executive Mosaic’s Top CTO Executives Award, is a Washington Exec Top Chief Technology Officers to Watch in 2023, was the Vice-Chair of the NSITC/IDESG Security Committee and was a Guest Researcher at NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE). He is a fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies and the chair of the INSA Cyber Committee.Intel CorpIntel Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells computer components, software, and related products. We create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet.Intel put the silicon in Silicon Valley. For more than 50 years, Intel and our people have had a profound influence on the world, driving business and society forward by creating radical innovation that revolutionizes the way we live. Today we are applying our reach, scale, and resources to enable our customers to capitalize more fully on the power of digital technology. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Data standards play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and interoperability within the healthcare and public health sectors. These standards are designed to enhance data exchange efficiency and support diverse healthcare environments.Today we speak to from Leidos, Yoseph Asfaw, Chief Technology OfficerAustin Kreisler, HL7 Subject Mater Expert, on how health data standards are developed, shared, and maintained by the HL7 International organization in cooperation with the members of the healthcare/public health ecosystem – HL7’s Version 2 (V2), HL7's Version 3 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA®) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). These data standards show a maturation to embrace technology advancements and expand adaptability for improved interoperability, increased speed of care and public health decision-making, and expanded health equity across society.Yoseph Asfaw serves as Chief Technology Officer for Leidos Health and Civil Sector in Capability Integration, where he leads development of innovative technical solutions for Health and Civilian customers in areas of Data Strategy and Governance and AI readiness. Mr. Asfaw most recently led Digital Modernization efforts across a large porfolio for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and broaderHHS, overseeing best practoces in DevSecOps, User Experience, and Product Delivery. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he is recipient of the 2021 National Award for “Disruptive Change Agent Shifting the Landscape” by G2Xchange for his leadership in transforming the government’s technology landscape bydelivering modern and high-performance applications for use by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).Austin Kreisler serves as HL7 Subject Mater Expert for Leidos Health with expertise in the clinical and laboratory interface arena as interface support engineer, interface software developer, interface software designer, and an HL7 standards developer. He has more than 20 years of experience of various leadership experience within the HL7 organization and formerly served on the HL7 Technical Steering Commitee, Structured Documents Work Group, and Board of Directors. Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.leidos.com Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Value-based payment models have become increasingly important across healthcare as tools for reducing costs and improving the quality of care that patients receive. Many of these models have been the focus of large-scale experiments and require the use of large, data complex systems. Robin Weinick, Principal of Resonant, LLC, Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer at Arcadia, and Don Simpson, Director at Guidehouse, discuss issues associated with data and AI in value-based models.  Robin Weinick, PhD, Principal, Resonant, LLCRobin brings three decades of experience working to improve U.S. healthcare system. In her current role as Principal of Resonant, LLC, she works with a wide variety of healthcare executives from diverse organizations, supporting them as a facilitator, executive coach, and consultant.Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer, ArcadiaAneesh served as the first U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Obama (’09-’12) and in 2014, authored, “Innovative State: How New Technologies can Transform Government.” He serves on the Board of the Health Care Cost Institute, the New Jersey Innovation Institute, and earned his MPP from Harvard Kennedy School and BA from The Johns Hopkins University.Don Simpson, Director, GuidehouseDon brings more than 20 years of experience providing management consulting to the federal government and private sector. He currently guides project delivery at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as drives business growth in the public health and commercial health markets. His expertise includes program/project management, digital services, strategy, performance management, process improvement, risk management, internal control, and information technology assurance.  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Healthcare professionals increasingly use wireless devices such as smartphones and mobile apps as healthcare organizations become more dependent on mobile services for gathering patient data, monitoring remote patients and more. But as the number of devices healthcare organizations use increases and their functions and locations expand, management becomes more complex.Today we speak with  DJ Oreb, President, Managed Services at DMI about how from cybersecurity risks to remote device maintenance logistics to BYOD, hospitals and other healthcare organizations can put themselves and their patients at risk without appropriate attention to all elements of mobile management.   DJ Oreb, President, Managed Services at DMIAs the President of Managed Services, DJ provides guidance and customer insights while retaining loyal and satisfied customers in today’s mobile-connected world. He possesses extensive industry experience in mobile lifecycle management, mobile strategy, help desk, telecom expense management, procurement and MDM management. DJ helps build strong reputable relationships to develop robust mobile programs for customers that drive business results to enhance and grow their mobile eco-system and user experience.Upon joining DMI, DJ brought with him an extensive background of Information Technology, operations management, mobility management, managed services, systems administration, and project management experience. His customer-focused approach has brought customers new insights on how they manage their mobile programs today. DMI is a leading global provider of digital services at the intersection of the public and private sectors. With broad capabilities, including infrastructure support services, cybersecurity, cloud, and application development, DMI provides on-site and remote support to clients within governments, healthcare, financial services, transportation, manufacturing, and other critical infrastructure sectors. DMI is continually recognized as a Top Workplace in both regional and national categories.  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

OMB recently announced its first-ever government-wide policies to mitigate the risks of AI and harness its benefits for government agencies. This guidance will provide agencies with guardrails to ensure ethical use, citizen privacy, transparency, and promote IT modernization and competition across each sector.Today we speak to Principal Solutions Architect at Sev1Tech, Greg Porter,  on how as agencies ramp up adoption of AI tools to increase operational efficiency and streamline workflows, it’s imperative to practice responsible AI use to harness its vast benefits and minimize risks.  Greg Porter, Principal Solutions Architect at Sev1TechGreg Porter is the Principal Solutions Architect at Sev1Tech. Since October 2021, he has led the Artificial Intelligence team as well as the company’s Digital Twin and Digital Thread efforts. For more than 12 years, Greg Porter has been a noteworthy leader in the IT industry. Prior to Sev1Tech, he was a Senior Systems Architect at Geocent, leading data analytics for logistics and Hadoop cluster projects, and Senior Big Data Administrator at Honeywell FM&T, where he was responsible for Big Data infrastructure design, configuration, installation, and security. Greg Porter has been honored with multiple Innovator of the Year awards for his contributions to Sev1Tech and, formerly, Geocent. He holds a master's degree in data analytics from Western Governors University.Sev1Tech provides IT modernization, cloud, cybersecurity, engineering, training, and program support services to U.S. government agencies and major commercial organizations. Headquartered in the Washington D.C. metro area, Sev1Tech is a trusted contractor supporting critical missions across the defense, intelligence, homeland security, space, and health markets. Sev1Tech delivers better solutions, faster through highly qualified people, CMMI SVC 3, ISO 9001, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, and ISO 27017 certified processes, and cutting-edge technology. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Health disparities impair attainment of, and opportunity to attain, optimal health for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, and other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mark improved health care access as a priority area for the agency and the federal health community – this is evident through CMS’s Framework for Health Equity which strives to identify and remedy systemic barriers to access so that every one of the people CMS serves has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health.Today on Keeping IT Brief, Darryl Roberts, VP of Health Informatics at RELI Group, discusses how the Framework highlights priority areas and efforts that can help address avoidable inequalities and eliminate health and health care disparities – one area of note is the use of data and data analytics. The process of analyzing healthcare data to improve quality of care is a core approach and one that will be essential for future health care efforts. Details found through effective data analytics can be translated to inform public use files, technical documents, clearance processes, publications and more, ultimately helping guide public health policy.  Darryl RobertsVP of Health Informatics at RELI GroupDarryl W. Roberts, PhD, MS, RN, FHIMSS, FAAN, brings more than three decades of diverse healthcare and informatics experience to RELI Group, having demonstrated profound expertise in healthcare quality, informatics, policy and management.Dr. Roberts, a PhD-prepared registered nurse, has an extensive background that encompasses roles ranging from clinical practice, education and research to policy advisory and high-level consultancy. His noteworthy contributions include the development of pioneering quality measures and advancing informatics practices to optimize healthcare outcomes. His past experiences with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have positioned him uniquely to lead RELI Group’s health informatics strategies into the future.RELI GroupBased near Baltimore, Maryland, RELI Group is a leading organization and partner in the federal and SLG arena, supporting health IT initiatives and security missions since 2013.The company collaborates with agencies throughout the government that touch the lives of every American, with goals of improving health, safety and security from coast to coast. Ranging from cybersecurity and data analysis to health informatics and national security, RELI Group is prepared to support various mission-critical operations across the government. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Today on Keeping IT Brief, we have a special guest: Dr. Dolores Kuchina-Musina, author of the groundbreaking book "Public Procurement for Innovation: Research and Development at the US Federal Level."In her insightful book, co-authored with Benjamin McMartin, Dolores presents a comprehensive analysis of the innovative contract vehicles driving progress in the United States. Discover how these alternative approaches are revolutionizing public procurement and fostering groundbreaking advancements.Join us for an engaging discussion and gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind federal innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the future of public procurement and research and development! Dolores Kuchina-Musina holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy and a Master of Business Administration from Old Dominion University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University. She has been published in the Journal of Public Procurement, Politics, and Policy and is working on additional research. Dr. Kuchina-Musina has a graduate certificate in Public Procurement and Contract Management (PPCM), is a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM), and is a National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Fellow. Her research focus includes innovation policy, Other Transaction Authorities, federal procurement reform, and decisionmaking models. Dr. Kuchina-Musina is the CEO/Founder at REXOTA Solutions, LLC, a consulting company in the DC-Metro area, focusing on strategy, planning, pursuit, capture, management, and administration of federal contract/agreement awards. Dr. Kuchina-Musina has over a decade of experience in federal, state, and international public procurement, specifically directing and managing strategic pursuits in collaboration with business development, proposal development, and change management initiatives for Federal procurement acquisitions. She has also been a strategic partner in providing risk management support for Federal compliance contracts for public and private sector organizations.Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

The public sector is ramping up efforts to manage mobile device security risks. The House recently released a draft of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a measure requiring the Secretary of Defense to evaluate the services available to help the DOD secure mobile devices.Today on Keeping IT Brief, Jim Coyle, U.S. Public Sector Chief Technology Officer, Lookout discusses how with the rise of BYOD policies in government, criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics and malware-as-a-service kits to target agencies' mobile devices and steal sensitive data. Most alarmingly, the timeline for these attacks has accelerated dramatically—from months to minutes. As such, agencies must ensure proper security practices are in place to protect employee mobile devices and defend national security. Jim Coyle, U.S. Public Sector Chief Technology Officer, LookoutJim Coyle serves as the US Public Sector CTO at Lookout, drawing upon two decades of hands-on experience in cybersecurity to assist government agencies in fortifying their defenses. Jim is a cyber security industry thought leader, delving into geopolitical cyber issues, emerging threats, defense tactics, and industry developments, offering valuable insights cultivated throughout his career.Lookout, Inc.Lookout, Inc. is the data-centric cloud security company that uses a defense-in-depth strategy to address the different stages of a modern cybersecurity attack, which now starts with mobile. Data is at the core of every organization, and our approach to cybersecurity is designed to protect that data within today’s evolving threat landscape no matter where or how it moves. People — and human behavior — are central to the challenge of protecting data, which is why organizations need total visibility into threats in real time, starting with the mobile endpoint. The Lookout Cloud Security Platform is purpose-built to stop modern breaches as swiftly as they unfold, from the first mobile phishing text to the final cloud data extraction. We are trusted by enterprises and government agencies of all sizes to protect the sensitive data they care about most, enabling them to work and connect freely and securely.  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Global geopolitical changes, weather, health and macroeconomics play a part in managing our everyday supply chain. Addressing these factors while accounting for operational agency challenges are becoming a critical part of a supply chain practitioners job. Gaps in reliable, complete data, integrated analysis, undocumented risk assessment procedures, and unclear roles and responsibilities are contributing factors to a vulnerable supply chain risk management program. Elizabeth (“Beth”) Van Absher, Director of the NIH Division of Logistics Services (DLS), and Moshe Nelson, Partner in Guidehouse’s Defense & Security Segment, provide public and private sector perspectives on how we can collectively further supply chain resilience.Elizabeth Van Absher, Director of Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Elizabeth "Beth" Van Absher is the director of Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) overseeing $1.9B worth of accountable personal property, fleet, and the NIH Supply Center (NIHSC). The NIHSC is the agency’s priority source for laboratory, fire, safety, and administrative supplies, and is the agency’s mandated source for personal protective equipment (PPE). Van Absher is the lead for the NIH Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Council, in addition to serving as the agency representative on the HHS SCRM. She is a critical driver of good for government outcomes, ensuring supply chain stability through strategic sourcing, enterprise data sharing, collaboration, and modernization.Van Absher is an integral part of the NIH and HHS teams to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Public Law 117-58, collaborating across acquisitions, policy, HHS agencies and suppliers to ensure compliance with IIJA. Beth was also the lead for the PPE Plan of Action under Section 708 of the Defense Production Act in Response to COVID-19, during which the NIH Supply Center provided critical PPE to national intake sites on behalf of HHS to volunteers, children, families, and refugees. She also served as the agency lead for nitrile glove enterprise sourcing on behalf of HHS’s BuySmarter program.Moshe Nelson, Partner GuidehouseBio: Moshe has provided supply chain management strategy, technology, and analytics across the public and private sector for nearly twenty years. As a result, clients have reduced operating costs by over $300M, fielded advanced technologies in an efficient and effective manner, and established accountable and data driven means for critical lifecycle supply chain management. Moshe has supported the health, defense, homeland security, diplomatic, and infrastructure arenas to improve supply chain resiliency across the United States.GuidehouseGuidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. By combining our public and private sector expertise, we help clients address their most complex challenges and navigate significant regulatory pressures focusing on transformational change, business resiliency, and technology-driven innovation. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and digital services, we create scalable, innovative solutions that help our clients outwit complexity and position them for future growth and success.Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

The public focus of EHR modernization has been on configuring a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution that blends all the requirements that are unique to the VA with a system that is widely used in the commercial sector. But equally or even more importantly, the VA needs to continue to invest in, maintain, and upgrade its current EHR – the Veterans Health Information System Technology Architecture (VistA).Today we discuss these insights which are from a recent Federal News Network guest article authored by David Whitmer, FACHE, vice president for federal operations at DSS Inc. David also discusses how no matter what the outcome of the COTS solution, VistA will remain the vital backbone of VA operations.David Whitmer, FACHE, Vice President for Federal Operations at DSS Inc.Mr. Whitmer is the Vice President, Federal Operations at DSS Inc., and is a board-certified healthcare executive with 30 years of public health experience at the National Institutes of Health and the Veterans Health Administration, including 20 years in C-suite positions, and 10 years as member of the Senior Executive Service.DSS Inc.Document Storage Systems, Inc. (DSS) is a catalyst for health care innovation, keeping pace with evolving technologies as a solutions provider, systems integrator, and services contractor to the Department of Veterans Affairs. DSS is committed to assisting VA in its High Reliability Organization journey and delivering care quality for Veterans by meeting top initiatives, changing regulatory requirements, and implementing enhanced business transformation across VA enterprise.Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Every day in the United States, thousands of legitimate prescriptions for the opioid class of pharmaceuticals are written to mitigate acute pain during post-operation recovery, chronic back and neck pain, and a host of other cases where patients experience moderate-to-severe discomfort. While many of these drugs provide pain relief, the potential for misuse and outright abuse due to their addictive nature is extremely high.Since the 1990s, opioid abuse in the U.S. skyrocketed to the point that in 2017 the Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. This epidemic affects more than just individuals – families and communities, as well as the U.S. healthcare system at the federal, state, and local level, carry this burden emotionally and financially.Solving this crisis can and should be supported by insights gained from the vast amounts of data available to healthcare providers and government agencies. The healthcare industry, in partnership with government agencies, must engage with a robust modern data management solution that can extract electronic health data in the form of controlled substance data, prescriber data, and patient data and transform it into meaningful, measurable, and actionable information.  Today we talk with Rob Carey, the President of Cloudera Government Solutions on this topic.Rob Carey, President of Cloudera Government SolutionsAs a highly recognized executive, Rob Carey leads the public sector team at Cloudera Government Solutions during a time in government when data-centric projects and digital transformation is of the utmost importance. As former U.S. Navy CIO and Deputy DOD CIO, Carey uses his 30+ years of federal experience to apply what’s needed to meet the standards for the future of IT modernization in government. He supports customers across the federal civilian and defense sector as they continue to navigate data-driven challenges and work to meet key White House directives.Cloudera Government SolutionsGovernment agencies are faced with a multitude of challenges, including aging legacy systems, fraud and abuse, and sophisticated cyberattacks. More than ever, they need a proven platform that can securely manage their data. Cloudera Government Solutions addresses these challenges by simplifying data acquisition and delivery – providing public sector leaders with the insights they need to make better and more timely decisions.Cloudera Government Solutions partners with federal, state and local, and higher education institutions to support data security and governance mandates, modernize data architectures across any platform, and meet the zero-trust mandate related to data flow. With customers across 40 global governments, Cloudera can accelerate data movement and digital transformation to accomplish your mission. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Dr. Richard Stone, Retired Army Major General who served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the US Army discusses how we as a nation can provide better medical care to our veterans during the next medical crisis, he looks into this and more in his memoir, "Save Every Life You Can".Dr. Richard Stone, Retired Army Major General who served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the US Army, currently a Specialist Executive at DeloitteDr. Richard Stone has served in a myriad of leadership positions over his more than 40 years as a medical doctor. He is a combat experienced veteran, having served in Afghanistan during an Army career that culminated in his service as the US Army Deputy Surgeon General. Dr Stone was called back to Federal service as the Executive in Charge and Acting Under Secretary of the Veterans Health Administration, serving for more than three years as the leader of America’s largest health care system through the most challenging health crisis in more than one hundred years.Dr. Stone’s book "Save Every Life You Can: A Reflection on Leadership and Saving Lives during the COVID-19 Pandemic" is a reflection on leadership and saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. This memoir describes the extraordinary challenges the Department of Veterans Affairs faced and the personal stories of his team as they worked against the clock in a pandemic unique in more than 100 years. It also describes the principles of leadership that informed and guided Dr. Stone, and his thoughts on what we learned as a nation about health care delivery as we prepare for the next once-in-a-hundred-year crisis. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

As of January 1, 2024, CMS implemented new policies for addressing health-related social needs (HRSN) to proactively treat and better understand the needs of our country's most underserved and chronically ill populations. These policies will support physicians that help patients identify and connect with the appropriate clinical and community resources to address unmet HRSN that may influence a patient's treatment.Today we speak with Kamala Green, social drivers of health program manager at National Government Services, and we discuss as social, economic, and physical factors affecting patient health evolve and diversify, it's important that federal health agencies continue to prioritize health equity practices and initiatives to provide the highest quality of care possible for every citizen. Kamala Green, social drivers of health program manager at National Government Services, an Elevance Health CompanyIn her current position as the Social Drivers of Health Program Manager at National Government Services, Kamala assists with strategic design, implementation and evaluation of social drivers of health initiatives, where she partners to recommend initiatives related to unmet social needs, such as food, housing, legal support and income. Since joining NGS in November 2021, Kamala is instrumental in level setting and shaping the agenda for health equity and the social drivers of health (SDOH), specifically for Medicare.National Government ServicesFor more than 50 years, National Government Services has been empowering federal healthcare agencies to improve lives and communities and deliver care to millions of Americans through outcome-driven innovation. The company helps bridge the technology gap to make IT an enabler of healthcare, not an obstacle to operations. Its core business areas include digital health, providing federal IT solutions and services for healthcare, and business process solutions. This includes its role as a Medicare contractor for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Today we speak with Erick Peters, Chief Technology Officer, and Jackie Ackerman, Vice President, Data and Analytics, of Cognosante on how healthcare agencies and departments can make smarter decisions and deliver improved citizen services through data sharing that’s powered by automation, AI, and data & analytics insights.We deep dive into: How cloud, data, AI can remove boundaries between public health agencies and departments -- AND other agencies dependent on them How we lead with privacy and security, interoperability  How governance ensures data is reliable and accurate Erick Peters, Chief Technology Officer, Cognosante Erick Peters is a technology-focused leader with over 25 years of experience in enterprise solution development, solution architecture, and information technology security. Erick leads technology teams to solve customers’ most difficult challenges, leveraging strategy, innovation, partnerships, and emerging trends.  His leadership ensures Cognosante’s technology evolution results in innovative solution development across the organization’s service portfolio, which includes Healthcare Interoperability, Cloud, Cybersecurity, DevSecOps, Data Science, and Enterprise Architecture. The solutions the company develops help Federal and state organizations meet their missions to deliver critical customer programs built on a purposeful, tailored, and evolving foundation of proven and emerging technologies. A Navy Veteran and a graduate of Nuclear Power School, Erick earned a Bachelor of Nuclear Engineering Technology and a Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park. Jackie Ackerman, Vice President, Data and Analytics, CognosanteJackie Ackerman leads the Data and Analytics team at Cognosante, leveraging over 25 years of experience in military intelligence and civilian IT. With expertise in building and implementing modern cloud data solutions, she and her team transform data and drive interoperability for Federal and state government organizations. Her knowledge of data and analytics best practices, modern technologies, and proven intelligence techniques informs Cognosante’s innovative approach to delivering data as a product that solves complex problems.   The Data team’s culture and approach to innovation led them to win the Snowflake Challenge by leveraging third-party healthcare data to predict virus spread and guide pre-emptive vaccine distribution. Her team also participated in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mission Daybreak Challenge with an analytics solution that identified at-risk Veterans prior to crisis and provides recommendations on best intervention timing and methods. Cognosante Passion. Purpose. Innovation. At Cognosante, we believe we can create a safer, healthier, more equitable nation for all. With an innovative mindset and unwavering dedication, we help healthcare, civilian and defense agencies deliver exceptional public services and programs. Our industry-leading technology and customer experience (CX) solutions bridge intentions and outcomes, solving critical challenges and creating meaningful change. Whether we are modernizing systems, enabling greater access to public benefits, or delivering mission-critical programs, we innovate with purpose, touching the lives of millions of peopKeeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

 The AIM-AHEAD program mission is to enhance the participation of underrepresented communities in the development of AI/ML models. The program improves the capabilities of this emerging technology, beginning with electronic health records (EHR) and extending to other diverse data to address health disparities and inequities.Today we speak with the CEO and Founder of stackArmor Gaurav "GP" Pal on their program. Gaurav “GP” Pal, CEO and Founder of stackArmorGaurav “GP” Pal, CEO and Founder, has over 20 years of IT consulting experience with large US Government, Defense, and Commercial Organizations driving cloud adoption and implementing NIST security standards for FedRAMP, FISMA, and DFARS/CMMC 2.0 compliance.GP’s countless industry and government relationships led stackArmor to establish an AI Risk Management Center of Excellence (CoE), comprised of former prominent federal government technology experts, including Maria Roat, Suzette Kent and Richard Spires. stackArmor and its CoE work closely with government to ensure safe AI adoption.stackArmor stackArmor provides FedRAMP, StateRAMP, DOD CC SRG, FISMA/RMF, and CMMC/DFARS compliance acceleration services on leading hyperscale cloud providers. stackArmor’s ATO for AI™ and ThreatAlert® ATO Accelerator Security Platform reduces the time and cost of an ATO by 40%. We serve enterprise customers in Defense, Aerospace, Space, Government, and Healthcare markets as well as ISV’s looking to offer cloud solutions for Government. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts